NYC ATHEISTS SEPTEMBER BOOK & FILM CLUB

6:00 PM - HAPPY HOUR

6:30 PM - VIDEO AND DISCUSSION

HOST: DAVID ORENSTEIN

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/6/1/6/event_100238422.jpeg

A Film Not to Be Missed...

Why Are There 2 Churches on Every Street in Harlem?

A Black Filmmaker Explores Why African Americans Cling to Religion

Jeremiah Camara, a Black author and filmmaker based in Atlanta (and a personal friend of NYCA film club leader Dr. David Orenstein), is giving NYC Atheists an exclusive preview of his as yet unreleased film, “CONTRADICTION, ” which explores the role of religion in African-American communities.

Camara, author of the respected book, “Holy Lockdown: Does the Church Limit Black Progress?” travels, in this film, across America to visit Black churches and interview churchgoers and ministers. He asks, why are there so many Black churches, yet major problems in Black communities? Why are Blacks among the most Jesus-praising people in the world, yet the most fragmented and economically dependent? Is there a correlation between high-praising and low productivity?

Are Churches Part of the Problem?

Camara points out that there are 85,000 Black churches in America--or, 1,700 Black churches in each state. He takes a critical look at the impact the church and the Black ministers’ sermons have made on the Black psyche. Despite the common belief that these churches offer comfort and community to Blacks, Camara puts forth the possibility that they may actually be a contributing factor to the social problems of Blacks in the U.S.

Come on Friday to see this deep, disturbing film that has the courage to examine a longtime totem in the Black community. Has religion actually been a vehicle to keep our Black citizens separate and unassimilated? Does it limit the opportunities for Blacks if it keeps them hoping for rewards in heaven? Come and share the concerns of some forward-looking African-American leaders in the U.S.

EVENT SUMMARY

WHAT: NYC Atheists Inc. Book & Film Club, led by Dr. David Orenstein.

SUBJECT: “CONTRADICTION” - a film by Jeremiah Camara

WHEN: Friday, September 20, 2013

6 p.m. - Happy Half Hour

6:30 - Meeting starts

WHERE: Stone Creek Bar & Pub - 140 East 27th Street (3rd/Lex) - Back Room

COST: FREE. But you are expected to buy food/drink to compensate Stone Creek. The knoshies are eclectic, from tacos to Baked Brie & a notch above most pubs. The beer selection is excellent.

_________________